Tacoma Defense Lawyer for Aggravated DUI

Aggravated DUI Laws in Washington State

Washington’s drunk driving laws impose harsh penalties for those
convicted of
driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. The punishment can be particularly severe in cases
involving aggravating factors. An accused driver may face jail time, steep
fines, and a long-term suspension of his or her driver’s license.
The impact of an aggravated DUI conviction can be devastating for an individual
and his or her family. You may experience the effects in your professional
and personal life, such as being unable to drive yourself to work or facing
the financial burden of having to pay court-ordered fines and other costs.
We respect how difficult this situation is for you and your loved ones.
Our Tacoma-based office treats each case with the discretion and dignity
we would want for a member of our own family.

What does it mean to be arrested for an aggravated DUI?

The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) – which outlines the state’s
drunk driving laws – does not include aggravated DUI as a separate
criminal offense. Instead, the term typically refers to those elements
that may be viewed as “aggravating” factors in a DUI charge.
Many of these aggravating factors are addressed in the Washington Courts’
“DUI sentencing grid” (per RCW 46.61.5055).

This guideline helps the court determine an appropriate punishment in DUI
cases that include aggravating factors:

Criminal record – Your current DUI charges and potential penalties are influenced
by any previous convictions you have had for related charges, such as
DUI or other criminal offenses.

Accidents and injuries – The charges against you likely will be elevated if you were involved
in an automotive accident in connection with your DUI charges. This is
especially true if the accident involved property damage, personal injury
or a fatality.

The presence of minor children – You face additional fines and jail time if there were children
ages 16 years or younger in your vehicle at the time of your DUI arrest.

Any potential threat you pose to the community – You may face more severe penalties if the court believes you are
a danger to the general public.

Refusal to submit to a breath test – The court may enact harsher penalties if you refused to submit
to a breath or blood test after your arrest on suspicion of DUI.

Note that all prior convictions are taken into consideration as aggravating
factors in your case. This is true, provided the conviction occurred within
seven years of your DUI arrest date.

What are the penalties for aggravated DUI?

The potential penalties for an aggravated DUI will be more severe than most
DUI penalties, especially compared to a case involving no other offenses and a driver
with a “clean” record. An attorney can assess the details
of your case to provide a more accurate idea of the potential penalties
you will face.

Penalties may include:

Jail time

Fines

Suspension of driver’s license

You have the right to consult a defense attorney after an arrest on suspicion
of aggravated DUI.
Contact Daryl Graves Law at our Tacoma-based offices to schedule a case evaluation at (253) 217-4849.

Why Hire Our Firm?

Over 40 Years of
Legal Experience

Proudly Serving Oregon
& Washington

President of the Tacoma/Pierce County Bar Association

24/7 Availability
for Our Clients

“I feel blessed to have hired the Law Offices of Daryl L. Graves to represent
me. From day one, Daryl informed me of my options and was always honest
and upfront. Daryl and his staff always returned my calls and answered
every question. Daryl's 30+ years of experience was worth every penny.
I will refer everyone in need of a DUI/criminal defense and injury attorney
to Mr. Graves”

The information on this website is for general information purposes only.
Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual
case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt
or viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship.